Sr. Mode Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Sr. Mode Manager - Barge & Rail is responsible for managing rail and barge transportation operations, carrier performance, fleet assets, procurement activities, and freight spend optimization. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert for rail and barge transportation, ensuring the safe, reliable, and cost-effective movement of raw materials and finished products across Ascend’s supply chain.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Ensure safe, reliable, and compliant barge and rail transportation operations that support uninterrupted supply chain performance.
• Maintain sufficient barge and rail capacity to meet business requirements while achieving service expectations and customer commitments.
• Optimize transportation spending through effective carrier and fleet management and operational discipline.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance carrier performance, reduce costs, mitigate risk, and improve overall network efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Barge & Rail Operations

• Support barge and rail transportation strategy in partnership with Procurement and Supply Chain organizations.
• Partner with Supply Chain to develop and maintain raw material supply schedules supporting manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with plant personnel to ensure barge loading, discharge, and rail transportation activities are executed safely and efficiently.
• Provide daily visibility and tracking of transportation assets, proactively communicating schedule changes, delays, and operational impacts.
• Create and maintain rail customer shipment templates to ensure consistent execution and system accuracy.
• Manage barge and rail fleet sizing, utilization, and equipment availability to support current and forecasted business demand.
• Oversee barge and railcar maintenance programs, including inspections, repairs, testing, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Work directly with government agencies (U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) and marine organizations (GICA, Tenn-Tom Waterway) regarding waterway conditions, planned and unplanned closures, and special requests for expedited lockages.
• Develop contingency plans and support service recovery efforts for transportation disruptions, network congestion, equipment shortages, and weather-related events.

Logistics Procurement, Analytics & Strategic Support

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Rail and Barge transportation, providing operational, procurement, and strategic support across the logistics network.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, EHS, and Strategic Procurement to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions.
• Execute logistics procurement activities, including purchase requisitions, purchase orders, spot buys, supplier onboarding, contract administration, and annual requisition management.
• Manage carrier and supplier relationships through performance monitoring, scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Support network optimization, capacity planning, risk mitigation, and continuity of supply strategies for critical raw materials and finished goods.
• Audit and approve rail, barge, and non-TMS transportation invoices, ensuring pricing accuracy, proper application of accessorial charges, and compliance with contractual agreements.
• Maintain accurate transportation data within SAP, TMS, and other logistics systems to support operational execution and reporting.
• Analyze freight spend, carrier performance, and logistics data to identify cost savings opportunities, improve efficiency, and optimize transportation performance.
• Own and report transportation KPIs including cost, service, fleet utilization, carrier performance, equipment availability, and supply reliability metrics.
• Lead productivity and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, service, cost reduction, process efficiency, and operational excellence.

TEAM

• Reports to: Supply Chain Director, Americas
• Individual contributor role with no direct reports

LOCATION

• Open to candidates based near Ascend site locations in Pensacola, FL; Decatur, AL; or Alvin, TX.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Procurement, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain, procurement, or carrier management, with preferred experience in rail, barge, bulk transportation, or industrial logistics operations.
• Proficiency with SAP, Transportation Management Systems and reporting tools, with a proven ability to manage cross-functional stakeholder relationships and external logistics providers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. DOT Hazmat certification as required for the position.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to identify opportunities and resolve complex transportation challenges.
• Demonstrated expertise in rail and barge transportation operations.
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives through process optimization, data analysis, and performance management.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analytics.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.